Acclaimed broadcast journalist Koppel keynotes 2016 CUNA GAC

WASHINGTON (12/9/15)--Award-winning broadcast journalist and former Nightline host Ted Koppel will be a keynote speaker at the 2016 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), which runs Feb. 21-25 in Washington, D.C.

Koppel is best known for his 26 years as anchor and managing editor of ABC’s Nightline. His career has been recognized by every major award in broadcast journalism, including eight George Peabody Awards, 11 duPont-Columbia Awards and 42 Emmys. Today, Koppel serves as a contributor to NBC News, BBC America and National Public Radio. He is also a best-selling author and a columnist for major publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Ted Koppel

“Ted Koppel brings a keen perspective on the threat of cyberattacks in today’s world. His experience, knowledge and renowned investigative techniques provide a sobering analysis into the importance of cybersecurity,” says CUNA president/CEO Jim Nussle. “It’s an honor to welcome him to our event.”

For his keynote presentation, Koppel will explore ideas from his New York Times Best Seller Lights Out: A Cyberattack, A Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath. Koppel will discuss the probability of a cyberattack on the United States’ power grid, its potential consequences, and the actions needed to prevent a catastrophe. As credit unions face their own litany of cyber threats, attendees will find his insights into modern cybersecurity eye-opening.

Also at the GAC, and following in the footsteps of last year’s successful inaugural ED (Filene) Talk, CUNA Councils is sponsoring best-selling author Daniel Pink for the 2016 event.

Pink is the author of a blockbuster motivational book, “Drive.” He will address the Sunday general session, which is modeled after the popular TED Talks. The CUNA Councils event is named in honor of credit union movement founder Edward Filene.

CUNA's GAC is the premier event of the credit union movement. The conference brings together thousands of credit union leaders from across the country to advocate at league-coordinated GAC Hike the Hill events, during which attendees meet with members of the U.S. Congress and engage them in conversations on important credit union issues.

The conference also hosts engaging speakers, informative breakout sessions and the largest vendor showcase in the financial services industry.

Additional speakers and session topics for CUNA GAC will be announced in the weeks to come. For more information on CUNA GAC, visit gac.cuna.org.

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